Susana Mercedes
Susana Mercedes draws her inspiration from all things fashion. When she’s not sketching new designs for her company, she attends fashion shows by local designers.Richard Tyler and David Cardona are some of her contemporary influences.But an even greater influence in her work is her heritage.
Mercedes said she wants to be known as a Latin designer.
The Guatemalan-born designer started her own custom design company this year in the heart of Los Angeles’ Fashion District. She is now moving into wholesale with ready-to-wear and couture collections for Fall 2002.
For her Fall collections, the Los Angeles-based designer created delicate and sophisticated styles using fine fabrics for a vintage look.
Double-sided charmeuse, georgette, chiffon, Lycra/silk charmeuse and satin organza are a few fabrications the designer chose for the collections, which include 15 ready-to-wear styles and 10 couture styles.
Ruffled shirt paired with tuxedo pants, cocktail dresses, high pant with halter wrap top and tailored trench coats with Mandarin collar and split back are just a few looks from both collections. Hand-stitched beading on coat sleeves and hand-stitched belts add to the collections’ classic yet modern look. Each style in the collections is double-lined for a comfortable fit.
“Silk is very timeless, and I love the way material hangs loose. It has a very sensual look,” said Mercedes, adding that both collections will be geared toward specialty stores and better boutiques.
Retail price points for the collections range from $120 for tailored silk blouses to $600 for a beaded coat.
Mercedes said the line is already receiving special orders from customers through the company’s Web site at www.susanamercedes.com.
For information or appointments, call (213) 489-9242. —Claudia Figueroa
